Did China Win the Day in Navy Standoff?
China and the Philippines appear to have diffused a crisis in the South China Sea.
East Asia
Kim Jong-un Is Indispensable to North Korean Regime
The regime needs the third Kim to maintain its legitimacy.
Chinese-Philippine Standoff in South China Sea
The Philippines dispatch more ships to a disputed shoal where they attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen.
Japan Ready to Shoot Down North Korean Missile
Tokyo has activated its early warning radar system in anticipation of a satellite launch.
Is a Divide Opening Between Beijing’s Leaders?
Bo Xilai’s ouster is a victory for the Communist Party’s liberal reformers.
China’s Communist Party on Its Last Legs
If the Chinese ruling party fails to open up and reform, it will lose legitimacy once the economy slows down.
All Quiet in the South China Sea
Beijing adopts a more conciliatory tone in its maritime border disputes with Southeast Asian countries.
America Giveth, North Korea Taketh Away
Less than three weeks after America promised to supply humanitarian aid, North Korea announces a missile launch.
Chinese Dam Building Tests Southeast Asian Resilience
China plans hydropower construction in river sites that are crucial to Southeast Asian agriculture and fisheries.
Philippines, United States Explore Military Cooperation
The next step in thwarting China’s rise as a regional power prompts the United States to revisit an old alliance.
China, US Quietly Hope for Incumbent’s Victory in Taiwan
Both China and the United States would rather have the Kuomintang president in power than his challenger.
The Enigma of Air Sea Battle
The current debate about Air Sea Battle is either speculation or a proxy for the Pentagon’s budget wars.
Worst Case Scenario: A Second Korean War
Another war on the Korean Peninsula would draw in the United States and probably China.
The Kim is Dead, Long Live the Kim!
The death of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il leaves his third and youngest son as heir apparent.
US Officials Press Korea to Reduce Iranian Imports
American officials try to sway Seoul’s stance on trade with Iran but it’s a major Korean trading partner.